Next summer, Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen may find these elite forwards to be a great deal.
Clubs frequently target players who are in their prime or early in their careers and who, should they perform well, may sell for a high price when they try to make a big acquisition.
That being said, there may be benefits to bringing in a player who is nearing the end of their playing career but still has a lot to give. Jermaine Defo is a perfect example of how vital a striker can be and how adored they can become by fans, even if they are unable to reach the same heights they once did. Rangers have had success with this in the past.
In order to determine whether any of the current generation of seasoned Premier League strikers who are scheduled to become free agents this summer could be useful to the Ibrox club, we looked at a few of them. We believe that the following four outstanding centre forwards might significantly impact the team:
Wilson, Callum
The forward for Newcastle United will turn 33 in February, and given his recent injury struggles, it doesn’t appear probable that his contract will be extended. He is by no means nearing the “end” of his playing career by today’s standards, and he could very well have two more strong goal-scoring seasons left in him.
The nine-time England international is expected to have many of suitors in the Premier League and EFL Championship, so it would take a lot of persuasion and a large wage offer to entice him north of the border. If he can maintain his fitness, he will be a great asset wherever he goes and will undoubtedly provide more than his fair share of goals.
Woods, Chris
Given that Wood has scored an incredible 16 goals in 22 games for Nottingham Forrest this season, you have to assume that they will be eager to sign him to a contract extension. Other elite clubs in England and possibly Europe will undoubtedly be waiting in the wings if they don’t.
But at 33, this is by far the most successful season the former Newcastle and Leeds United player has ever had. A transfer north of the border may be a fascinating option for the New Zealand international, who has played for 12 different clubs in England overall. However, if he maintains his present goal-scoring form into the first half of 2025, he might not be within Rangers’ price range.
You wouldn’t expect West Ham United to be hurrying to extend the contract of the three-time England international, who is currently a peripheral player. He has played for Southampton, Aston Villa, and now the London Stadium since making the huge transfer from Burnley to Liverpool in 2015.
Throughout his career, his goal-scoring consistency has fluctuated, yet as recently as 2020, the now 32-year-old scored 22 Premier League goals in a single season for Southampton. He is another player who will probably have some choices in the EFL Championship at the absolute least, but after a season of warming the bench, Rangers could be able to lure him back with regular first team play.
Vardy, Jamie
Vardy will be 38 by the time summer arrives, whereas the other forwards on this list obviously still have a few years left in their careers. It’s possible that he just wants to hang up his boots and ride off into the sunset after becoming a legend at Leicester City.
At Ibrox, he would undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome if he did wish to extend. As a 28-time England international, Vardy is a modern-day Premier League legend and a well-known “character,” all of which contribute to a close relationship with fans.
He obviously maintains excellent physical condition, but as he gets closer to 40, it’s difficult to picture him playing every game of a season. However, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a valuable asset.
